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Favorite and Least Favorite Reads

Favorite Reads

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley- not at all like the modern depictions of Dr. Frankenstein’s monster, this book can be seen as “man” creating a new woman and then deciding a woman with a voice is gruesome. Such great themes and interpretations!

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand- Excellently crafted biography that reads like a Great American Novel. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if it goes down in history as one of our era’s greatest works.

Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley- The Arthurian legend told from the perspective of the women is intriguing enough, but the themes of the ancient world transitioning into the modern, paganism to Christianity are enthralling. The female characters are distinct, lovable and hateable, and just wonderfully real.

Beloved by Toni Morrison- An atrocious tale of desperation and redemption. One of my favorite “church services” can be found on this book.

The Complete Stories of Flannery O’Connor- Raw and real in its absurdity, O’Connor deals with prejudice still prevalent today.

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin– So witty you’re not sure if he is being serious, and whether he is or not there is still yet truth.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee– Beautiful, simple and deep and still true.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe- While this novel is criticized for the white woman’s burden, the impact it had on society is exceptional. Not only did it spur sympathies for slavery, but it activated the powerful dormant voice of women. Albeit they still could only speak to their husbands, but small steps.

Macbeth by William Shakespeare- It’s a cheesy play, yeah I know. But I love the Gothic, and I love Lady Macbeth.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen- Austen is so stinkin’ genius.

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling- read it, watched it, played the LEGO game and then listened to the most amazing audio book ever. Not a moment was wasted.

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan- the themes of first generation Americans and women won me over in this beautiful collection of interweaving stories.

Least Favorite Reads

The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper- The book is nothing like the movie. If you love the movie, don’t read the book. Ugh!

White Fang by Jack London- Admittedly, I haven’t read it since 8th grade, but it was so unbearable I have no desire to try it out again.

The Old Man and the Sea by Earnest Heningway- Hemingway isn’t one of my favorite male figures, admittedly, but he is an exceptional sentence-smith. However, this novel went the way of White Fang.